WASTE WATCHERS - Day 9

April 12, 2011 12:08 PM

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will expose an example of the waste and inefficiency of Labour and Plaid Cymru in government on each day of the Welsh general election campaign

On the day Plaid Cymru launches its manifesto, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have criticised the subsidised North-South air link, commonly known as "IeuanAir" as being an environmental and financial outrage.

The controversial air link not only pumps thousands of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but has already cost the Welsh tax-payer £3.2 million in public subsidy. The renewal of the contract last year saw the subsidy rocket from £800,000 a year to £1.2 million a year and will take the total bill of IeuanAir to £8 million.

Elizabeth Evans, Welsh Liberal Democrat Ceredigion Candidate said:

"This is an utter waste of money and an environmental disgrace. At a time when families, businesses and charities are cutting back, it beggars belief that the 'Plaid-driven' government can waste this much money subsidising the 'IeuanAir' air link when the majority of the county is suffering from poor rail services.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats are totally opposed to IeuanAir and have been campaigning for the subsidy to be transferred to improving rail services for all part of Wales. Why should the many lose out to the privileged few?

"Labour and Plaid Cymru have turned waste, incompetence and inefficiency into an art form."

Notes:

In September 2010, Plaid Cymru delegates voted against the North-South Wales air link at their Conference.